Chongqing - Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport has rolled out a series of new services, including seven-day free temporary storage and expedited mailing, to help travelers comply with recently enforced safety regulations concerning portable power banks.

The power bank pre-screening station at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

Starting June 28, new guidelines issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) prohibit passengers from carrying power banks on domestic flights if they lack the mandatory China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark, have unclear markings, or belong to recalled models or batches.

The 3C certification, governed by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), has been compulsory for certain electronic products since August 1, 2024. Products that do not meet this requirement may not be shipped, sold, imported, or used in business activities. As a result, many power banks purchased before this date may not have valid 3C labeling.

Given the recent regulation rollout, some travelers have unknowingly carried non-compliant power banks. In response, the airport has implemented several convenience services. Passengers may opt to abandon the item, place it in a seven-day free temporary storage unit via QR code registration, or use an in-terminal courier service to mail the item home.

The seven-day free temporary storage unit at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

The airport reminds travelers to verify whether their devices are eligible for air travel. Key checks include ensuring a clear 3C label is present, the rated energy does not exceed 100 watt-hours, and the product is not part of any recall. Passengers can refer to the Defective Product Recall Center website or the brand's customer service for confirmation. CAAC regulations also state that power banks must be carried onboard and are prohibited from being checked into baggage.

The new regulations follow recent large-scale recalls. Brands such as ROMOSS and ANKER have recalled over 1.2 million power banks combined. ROMOSS cited overheating risks due to specific electric core materials, while ANKER reported that unauthorized raw material changes led to insulation failures and potential combustion.

Amprius (Wuxi), a joint venture between U.S.-based Amprius Technologies and Wuxi Industrial Development Group and the supplier of the core materials used in both recalled products, confirmed an ongoing investigation. "Because things are still under investigation, we have no way to give a more definitive answer," a company representative said, adding that government agencies are also involved.

Experts from the Civil Aviation Science and Technology Research Institute of China (CASRIC) emphasized the risks, noting that there have been 15 mid-air incidents involving smoking or burning power banks this year, nearly double the number in the corresponding period last year. "In the confined space of an aircraft, a fire poses a significant threat due to limited resources to extinguish it," an expert explained.